EMV: Weather Best Practices

Like all technology (ie: your personal mobile devices!), the JustPark handhelds are susceptible to extreme temperatures and moisture; they need to be protected from the elements in order to operate at peak performance. Exposure to heat, cold, and/or water can permanently damage the phone’s internal components, so it's imperative you follow the tips below to make sure you are using your device properly:

Heat/Sunshine:
 

The phone works best when it's temperature is between 32 and 95 degrees (although the temperature outside may be cooler than 95, the internal components can be much hotter, especially with prolonged use). When the phone gets too hot, it may start to misbehave and may cause permanent damage. You may notice shorter battery life/health and occasional to frequent reader disconnects. 

• Keep the handheld out of direct sunlight! 
• Use a hat, umbrella, or your body as a shield
• Store the handheld in a pocket/fanny pack/apron when it's not being used
• Keep the device on your person at all times 
• Never put the phone on the ground or a dark surface, especially not with the screen facing upwards
• Lock your device between transactions and when not in use
• Quit all apps and settings except for Prime
• Turn the brightness of the screen down
• Utilize Dark Mode within the Prime app and Low Power Mode in the phone's settings
• Avoid charging the phone until the Phone has had a chance to cool down as charging heats up the device

Rain/Snow:
 

The devices are very sensitive to moisture, even humidity and sweat. Prolonged exposure can trigger the Liquid Contact Indicators located inside the opening at the bottom of the phone. This can also cause difficulties with the phone connecting to it's reader which is require to accept credit card payments and validate prepaid passes.

• Keep the device out of the rain/snow and away from moisture
• Store the handheld in a pocket/fanny pack/apron or face down in your hand when it's not being used
• Run transactions in a gallon plastic bag or see-through poncho to keep the device protected
• Keep a towel on you to wipe off excess moisture

Cold:
 

Lithium ion batteries (used to power the Prime units) have very little heat waste or internal resistance, so they are vulnerable when temperatures fall below 32 degrees F. HERE is an article explaining what happens to these batteries in low temps.

• Keep your device in a pocket or close to your body when you’re outside in the cold
• Store the handheld in a pocket/fanny pack/apron when it's not being used
• Wear gloves or hand warmers when holding the device
• If resources allow, secure a hand warmer to the handheld with rubber bands
• Protect it from snow or other precipitation
• Cold weather means screens and internal components can become more brittle and fragile, so dropping a handheld could be even more damaging in the winter than other times of year - use the wrist strap, never swing the device around, and be extra careful when it’s out of your pocket! 
• If your device has gotten cold outside, let your phone warm up to room temperature before using; otherwise you risk condensation forming inside the device if it heats up quickly after coming inside from the cold

Recommended Weather Accessories

Touchscreen Gloves: Phone screens will not register all materials. Touchscreen gloves will enable your staff to use Prime units, while staying protected from inclement weather. Here are a few options: Trendoux, Lands End, or browse Amazon. 
Hand Warmers: Phones powered by lithium-ion batteries. The characteristics that make them efficient also leave them susceptible to the elements as there is very little internal resistance. For this reason, the phone will drain battery power faster when in extreme temperatures. Some of our clients have gotten creative and have used hand warmers (fixed to the handhelds with rubberbands) to keep the devices warm and operating at normal speeds on super chilly days. Try to buy these in bulk!
Portable Phone Charger + Hand Warmer: Why have one, when you can have both? These work great to help keep the cold out while making sure that you are not expensing your battery in the process. Try this brand!
Insulated Phone Pouch:  To help reduce exposure to the cold and heat, try keeping the phone out of the elements by way of pouch. This will help keep the phone and reader at a constant temperature to ensure maximum performance. Some clients have found success with THIS one. Other options: Phoozy